Greenock Tunnels (2.2 miles)
Only Glasgow has a higher yardage of disused railway tunnels than Greenock. This walk can be regarded as urban exploring but there are no serious hazards other than some thick patches of vegetation and areas of boggy ground. Always cover your arms and legs when exploring abandoned railways and stout water resistant footwear is strongly recommended. As for a tunnelling expedition - please bring a torch!
This is a rare stretch of abandoned urban railway which has deep cuttings, bridges and tunnels still intact. Many old lines have been converted to walking and cycle paths over the years. While new routes are always welcome, there's also something special about discovering a quiet eerie lost railway, particularly if it features impressive engineering. It's also unusual to stumble across an old railway with tracks still in place.
The line can be accessed from Upper Cartsburn Street, close to an old viaduct. This area is a short walk from the active Whinhill Station. The approach embankment has an unlocked gate in the steel palisade fencing. Simply walk a few steps from the street and you're on the line! The viaduct itself is gated off and progress eastwards is not possible. It is believed there are a couple of tunnels on the far side where two lines converged before crossing. So we head west which is where the real action is in any case.
Almost immediately we come across the remains of Greenock Lynedoch Station, closed in 1959. The platform edge is still clearly visible. Several bridges cross the line which sits in a deep cutting. The route is generally passable with only minimal flooding and the vegetation growth isn't too serious. There is a spectacular high stone bridge which carries Mearns Street over the line and the entrance to Trafalgar Street tunnel can be seen looming beyond. We are greeted by blackness as we approach the portal to this 420-yard tunnel. However, upon entering it becomes apparent that the bore follows an S-shape and some light can be seen spilling through at the far end. It's still wise to switch on the torch though and watch where you place your feet. There is obvious water ingress at the tunnel mouths but the interior is mostly dry, provided you stick to the track.
Next up is Orangefield Tunnel which runs for 150 yards on a slight curve and is straightforward to negotiate. We pass under more bridges and this section of the line can be rather boggy. Walking with one foot on a rail seems to be a good tactic. The final tunnel is over 700 yards long but access is unfortunately blocked by a sharp steel fence. I guess with a bit of know-how you could get over this obstacle (there is footage on YouTube of people inside) but that is beyond the scope of this website.
It's a shame that the walk must end here as the Union Street Tunnel follows a sharp curve and has a tiny gap in the middle (apparently an unintentional air vent was created after a roof collapse). The tunnel also crosses the bore of the live line to Gourock and legend has it you can hear and feel trains rumbling by. The line eventually terminates at the Greenock Port Authority. Retrace your steps to the starting point and pat yourself on the back for doing some real urban exploring. The line orginally ran all the way back to Paisley via Bridge of Weir and the part outside of Greenock is a cycleway. How long the decaying Victorian section will be allowed to remain is anyone's guess.
